Microsoft trademarks 'Xbox Series,' fueling Xbox Series S 'Lockhart' speculation

Xbox Lockhart Concept
Xbox Lockhart Concept (Image credit: /u/jiveduder on Reddit)

Microsoft continues to establish the foundations for Xbox Series X, the upcoming iteration of its flagship games console. The ambitious next-generation device targets heightened visual fidelity and performance, scheduled to hit store shelves later this year.

While Microsoft's focus currently sits with Xbox Series X, the prospect of an affordable, lower tier continues to circulate. Talk of the device has circulated for years, expected to accommodate the budget-conscious buyer, with some of the advancements provided by its sister console. With the "Series" moniker leaving space for models beyond an X-tier, Microsoft's next-generation positioning supports the theory.

The "Xbox Series S" looks increasingly feasible, with a recent trademark filing suggesting further groundwork to support the console. Microsoft has locked down the "Xbox Series" name as of June 12, as reported by Generacion Xbox, accompanying the existing trademark for Xbox Series X. While the filing doesn't guarantee new products, clearly also tying the existing Series X, it further fuels speculation surrounding the unannounced device.

Xbox Series Trademark

Source: Justia (Image credit: Source: Justia)

Internally codenamed Xbox Lockhart, Xbox Series S is expected to target around four teraflops of graphical performance — roughly a third of Xbox Series X. The more affordable offering likely features some of the next-generation features, like AMD's latest generation hardware architectures, and solid-state storage. The status remains unclear, but we know a two-pronged approach remains under consideration.

Microsoft's latest will likely lead the market in terms of graphical prowess, but premium hardware doesn't come cheap. Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 pricing both remain unknown, as a factor likely to play a crucial role in the appeal of either console. Sony's recent PlayStation 5 unveiling also included a "Digital Edition" that cuts the disc drive, leaving a well-defined space in Microsoft's lineup.

Xbox Series X/S

Main

CATEGORIES
Matt Brown

Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.

Latest in Xbox
Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2
Amazon warns customers which Xbox products are "frequently returned items," and one is particularly unsurprising
Spongebob meme with Xbox logo, Steam logo, and PlayStation logo
Would PlayStation block its PC Steam games from running on a future Windows-based PC-like Xbox? Let's discuss.
The Thing: Remastered key art
The Thing comes to Xbox Cloud Gaming's "Stream Your Own Game" library alongside other new arrivals
Cover art for Heroes of the Storm.
Xbox Game Pass will give you more benefits in free-to-play games like Heroes of the Storm
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 accessibility settings at launch.
Activision user research workers form union under Microsoft
Xbox Game Hubs 2025
A quick look at Xbox's new "Game Hubs," a small new feature that may be more meaningful than you think
Latest in News
Microsoft Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2
Amazon warns customers which Xbox products are "frequently returned items," and one is particularly unsurprising
Windows 11 Wallpaper
Microsoft publishes Windows roadmap as it promises transparency around feature availability
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies mode screenshots for Shattered Veil map.
The next Call of Duty Zombies map, "Shattered Veil", is dropping earlier than expected
Helldivers 2
The new Helldivers 2 Illuminate Major Order is so important that we got a new stratagem for it
Hogwarts Legacy troll hero image
Hogwarts Legacy DLC reportedly canceled by WB Games
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege
Rumored Ubisoft and Tencent agreement comes to fruition with 25% stake and new division for the Assassin's Creed developer